Modernisation of Public Irrigation Schemes of Sidi Thabet: Engineering Component

Name of client: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Office for agricultural development of (CRDA) Ariana

Detailed description of project:

The Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture is modernising the old public irrigation systems in the Lower Medjerda Valley which have been in operation for about 50 years. The current project covers three irrigation perimeters located approx. 20 km west of Tunis, i.e. Djebel Ammar (1,470 ha), Sidi Thabet (1,800 ha) and Cherfech (1,776 ha, only drainage component).

The works include two pumping stations (Q = 1,518 l/s, H = 37 m, Q = 451 l/s, H = 70 m), a water treatment plant (2 m3/s), two reservoirs (30,500 and 9,000 m3), transport mains (12 km), a distribution network, about 2,000 ha of sub-surface drainage and feeder roads.

The open channel irrigation system will be replaced by a sub-surface pressurised system, enabling the introduction of water saving irrigation methods (drip and sprinkler irrigation). Water consumption will be monitored and farmers will be charged according to water consumption and their equipped area. Operation and maintenance of the tertiary system and the collection of water charges will be assigned to farmer organisations. A participatory approach constitutes an integral part of all project stages: planning, supervision of works and commissioning of the system.

Total investment costs: 24.4 million Euro

Type of services provided:

• Review of the feasibility study for the modernisation (drip and sprinkler irrigation), revision of the proposed rehabilitation options including cost estimate;
• Detailed and final design;
• Preparation of tender documents for the works and supplies;
• Assistance to the CRDA during bid evaluation and contracting;
• Supervision of construction works and supplies.